Sydney,: Former Aussie batsman Michael Hussey was taken by surprise from reports claiming that retired India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had suggested his name to replace Duncan Fletcher as India’s coach.
Hussey, who is currently the skipper of Sydney Thunder in Big Bash, Friday said he is not sure whether he is ready to take up the top job.
“I’m not sure if I’m really ready for that sort of challenge. Thanks, MS (Dhoni), if it’s true… but, I’m still playing!,” Hussey, who played under Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings till 2013 was quoted as saying by the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’.
According to media reports, Dhoni had suggested to BCCI that Hussey, is the best man to replace Fletcher in the coach’s chair.
Fletcher’s contract with the Indian team is due to expire at the end of this year’s ICC Cricket world Cup in Australia and New Zealand and with yet another Test series defeat Down Under, it is highly unlikely that the Zimbabwean will get an extension.
Dhoni, whose abrupt decision to retire from Test cricket midway the Australia tour shocked the entire cricket fraternity, is tipped to have said he sees a reflection of India’s World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten in Hussey and feels the Aussie can bring back the same cohesive environment to the Indian dressing room.
Hussey, who has played 79 Tests and is nicknamed ‘Mr Cricket’, said his immediate priority was to help the Sydney Thunder fulfill their vast potential.
“This has been a huge motivation. To build something up…something we can be very proud of…really motivated me to join the Thunder,” Hussey said. (UNI)